[CQ-Contest] Contesting and hearing aids

Pete Smith n4zr at contesting.com
Thu Jun 21 16:48:49 EDT 2007


In a couple of weeks, because of a gradually worsening high-frequency 
hearing loss, I plan to be fitted with a couple of Widex digital hearing 
aids - the behind the ear variety with open-fit ear tubes that don't block 
the ear canal.

I am looking for any advice other contesters have to offer about use of 
such hearing aids.  I am primarily a CW HF contester, and my hearing loss 
is all above 1000Hz (so far).  Physical comfort aside, should I expect any 
issues if I try to wear the hearing aids while operating the radio?  Any 
RFI concerns?  Will the inductive telephone coils in the units be a problem 
with earphones?  Any tips on adjustment?  Because the hearing aids will 
provide ~40 dB of high frequency boost, are they likely to be more tiring 
than my bare ears, for CW?  For phone, will the high frequency improvement 
make a difference in intelligibility?

73, Pete N4ZR
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